Huanghe News Network, Datong (Reporter Fang Kai) — Recently, Ctrip Group's Eighth Global Partner Summit convened in Istanbul, Turkey. At the event, Datong's Yungang Grottoes scenic area was honoured on Ctrip's Reputation List as one of the ‘100 Must-Visit Asian Destinations for 2026’, recognised for its exceptional cultural appeal and visitor experience. Meanwhile, Datong Yungang Cultural Tourism Industry Development Co., Ltd., an affiliate of the Yungang Research Institute, received the ‘2025 Strategic Partner Award’. These dual honours represent international recognition of the Yungang Grottoes' world-class cultural value while establishing a high starting point for future collaboration between the parties.

(File photo)

It is understood that in 2025, visitor numbers to the Yungang Grottoes scenic area surpassed five million for the first time. At this pivotal juncture of transitioning from a ‘tourist destination’ to a ‘cultural experience site’, the Yungang Research Institute's dual-assurance system of ‘technology plus manual intervention’ – established under the principle of ‘conservation first’ – is being implemented to upgrade cultural tourism services and visitor experiences. Moving forward, the Yungang Research Institute will continue exploring modern expressions of traditional culture. Datong Yungang Cultural Tourism Industry Development Co., Ltd. will leverage the Yungang Grottoes as a world-class cultural IP to develop richer cultural experience offerings and a more refined service support system. Together, they aim to craft a ‘Chinese experience’ for global visitors and jointly explore new pathways for the sustainable development of cultural heritage.